About

HELLO AND WELCOME TO XVII CARVINGS.

First off, let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Anthony Marquez. I served in the United States Marine Corps from 07-12. My last deployment was to Sangin Afghanistan in 2011. During that time in Sangin, our unit, 1st Battalion 5th Marines suffered great loss enduring over 160 WIA. Along with the wounded, we had 17 of our Brothers in arms KIA on the battlefield.Last Summer, 2016 I had this vision in my head and promise I made to myself: I wanted to do a chainsaw carving for each family who lost their son on our 2011 deployment to Sangin. I completed my first carving last July with the help of a mentor, presenting it to a Gold Star Mother on the 5th anniversary of her sons, Robert Grenigers, death at his grave at Fort Snelling. Ever since then I've had numerous people contact me in regards to wanting to purchase a carving. I gave it a lot of thought, and decided, "Why not sell some and give some away"? I've kinda been putting it off out of being nervous for the outcome of what my second carving would look like. . . almost in fear that it wouldn't be good enough. Recently I saw a Wounded Marine lost his house to a Fire and it just came to me. I contacted Andy Biggs from the Boston Wounded Vet Run and told him I'd do a carving for them to auction off with proceeds going to Sgt Bouchard who's house was lost to the fire. This was the first time I would be attempting to completely carve a Battlefield Cross alone.

After completion, the amount of support and response from everyone across the country took off. And I felt more inspired by everyone. So I decided to take it a step further and start a small business. At the moment, we're in the early stages. Things are hectic but we're moving in the right direction.

To me these carvings are very important, and very meaningful. I'd like for every carving I do, to have a phone conversation with the individual who's purchasing one. Make it more personal, and one on one. I'd like for them to tell me who the carving is for, the kind of person he or she was. I understand that each carving is for a different person lost. So when I start each carving, I have an understanding of who that person was. It will be a process I hold dearly, not just another order. I vow for every 8 carvings sold, to make one to donate to an organization or charity that promises to auction off that carving with the proceeds going to help a Veteran in need.

Lastly I'll say this again, these carvings are very important to me, and my main goal is Honoring those who sacrificed everything and ensuring the families that their loved ones are not forgotten.So please, if you have any questions feel free to contact us here. We appreciate all the support, God Bless.

If you would like to inquire about, or purchase a custom Battlefield Cross, please visit our contact page and fill out the contact form.